Broken Rear AC. Grrr...

[BWSmith201]

Hi all, please forgive me if this should be redundant. I did a search and didn't have any luck...

The rear AC in my X is not working (nor is the heat). THe display lights up when the control is transferred back there (so I figure its not a fuse, correct me if I'm wrong...) but nothing at all happens, no matter what the setting. Not even the fan.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, is it going to be a pain in the neck to get it fixed? I can't figure out if its the fan, compressor, or what.

I'm still under warranty, at least for another 8k, but I'm concerned that they're going to have to take the whole thing apart, which would doubtlessly take a while (maybe I shouldn't complain about that, eh?).

No kids or anything (someday, hopefully, but that's a separate discussion!), so it really isn't THAT big of a deal, but I wanna get it fixed while its still under the warranty. Don't want the dogs to get too hot!

What has anyone else's experience been?

Thanks for the input!

[hammermdx]

I remember other folks having the same problem. I think it was either a fuse or broken blower motor, take it to the dealer, should be a warranty item.

[MARFONG]

I just had mine repaired yesterday. It was a defective transistor. The service advisor knew right away what was the cause. It apparently already has occured on many MDXs. I also got the TSB on the clicking brakes done and the recall on the transmission done. They were finished in less than 3 hours. I was also lucky to get an '04 TSX as a loaner, great car.

[danstub]

Mine stopped working yesterday at 50,200 miles on a 2002. I am hoping that the dealer will make the repair under warranty.

[hhwc]

Same here. Broke rear A/C or blower.

[BWSmith201]

Whoa! I didn't know this was such a common problem. I'm taking it in on Tuesday for service, I'll ask the service advisor about those causes, for sure. I'll let you all know how it turns out (since I'm sure it will keep you all in suspense until then, after all!).

Thank you all for the input, it's been very helpful!! I didn't have any idea it was such a problem for so many people. Thanks again, have a good one...

BWS

[BWSmith201]

It turned out to be a defective blower motor. They at first suggested that it might be that transistor, but since there was power for the light on the console they ruled that out.

They kept it over night but it was covered by warranty. No problems now.

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it!

Have a good one...

[Mikel]

Acura replaced my rear blower motor about a yeat ago at 48,000 miles, though it did take a couple of trips to the dealership; first it was, "what noise?", then after I drove the service tech around for 5 minutes "oh, THAT noise" which they supposedly fixed, and then two weeks later when the thing sounded like a helicopter taking off...they replaced it.

I must say, that in comparison to friends and neighbors who have lesser cars (Chrysler, SAAB, BMW, Mercedes) Honda/Acura does the best job of standing behind their products and taking care of things when they go wrong.

[nwaring]

We just discovered this weekend that our rear air unit no longer works. Same as mentioned before...power to the controls but nothing else. The fuse is good. I got my transmission recall notice last week so when it goes in for that I will have them fix it. 2001-43K.

Niles

[DaleB]

Originally posted by nwaring
We just discovered this weekend that our rear air unit no longer works. Same as mentioned before...power to the controls but nothing else. The fuse is good. I got my transmission recall notice last week so when it goes in for that I will have them fix it. 2001-43K.

Niles

Same here!! Returning from Tahoe and the aircond was initially running on OT trying to cool the car down when I noticed nothing was coming out of the rear vents. Looks like a trend here. (27K)

[Damon]

Has anyone seen a TSB on this subject? Just discovered same problem and I am out of warranty.

[laborlitigator]

You can try to remove the cover (simply lift the shoulder rest and there are two phillips screws that have to be removed and then the cover will come off) and see whether all of the connections are together. Otherwise, it should be the fuse.

[DaleB]

Seems to be a more common problem, if the fuse is good, it's more likely the blower motor. Still have not have mine diagnosed yet, but it's still under warranty.
Should not be too difficult for the DIYer to do, with the shop manual.
Motors for rear and front look similar. Good luck finding one (new) under $100.

[wamiller]

Mine went out last week while on vacation. Talked to a service guy in Huntsville AL while passing thru and he said it was probably the transistor. Said they had done several lately and he was out of them and the part was on national backorder. Must be a trend... Bummer is that I am 5k out of warranty!

Wade
2001 MDX

[hammermdx]

Originally posted by wamiller
Mine went out last week while on vacation. Talked to a service guy in Huntsville AL while passing thru and he said it was probably the transistor. Said they had done several lately and he was out of them and the part was on national backorder. Must be a trend... Bummer is that I am 5k out of warranty!

Wade
2001 MDX

I would ask them to cover it as a warranty item since it seems to be a pretty common problem. Escalate to Customer care if you have to.